10-12-05 Meeting of the Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone Number One minutes

Browse Search

Architectural and Building Standards For Non-Residential Development Purpose: The purpose of the regulations described in this section is to ensure that new non-residential developments planned along major thoroughfares will be constructed to the highest architectural standards and also to encourage high quality nomesidential developments by avoiding poor building design; by creating a rich, harmonious blend of quality buildings; by prescribing certain approaches to architectural design, construction, and reconstruction of buildings; and by encouraging compliance with the new set of architectural guidelines for nomesidential developments. All of the above are intended to influence architectural design, construction and reconstruction of buildings in a manner that achieves a visually desirable environment in a safe and beneficial manner complementing its surroundings, and protecting private property rights. These guidelines should achieve such aesthetic objectives as protecting scenic views, prohibiting eyesores, and protecting visual resources. Travelers along major roadways should be shielded from unwelcome obtrusion of businesses in a manner that also ensure traveler's safety. Commercial areas should be attractive to visitors as well as to the City's own residents. This, in turn, promotes economic development and preserves property values to the benefit of commercial and residential property owners. The 2020 La Porte Comprehensive Plan shows a consensus by the citizens that all existing and future commercial development is attractive, highly utilized, and without negative influence on adjacent residential uses. The appearance of visually intrusive structures should be minimized. This avoids visual blight, and allows an aesthetic experience that has intrinsic value and that also fosters an identity associated with the City as a community and reduces stress by maintaining an attractive visual environment within which to live, work, and recreate. Objectives: The building orientation and location should reflect consideration for the following: . Streetscape . Landscape · Parking and traffic circulation · Existing vegetation · Surrounding/adjacent properties Designated Area: All areas included in TIRZ, zoned General Commercial (GC), Industrial Districts (BI, LI, HI), Planned Unit Developments (PUD) as shown on the official zoning map of the City of La Porte, and major thoroughfares, i.e. State Highway 146, State Highway 225, Fairmont Parkway, Spencer Highway, Barbour's Cut Blvd., Underwood Road, and Bay Area Blvd. _HldlT B